Step by step getting closer to results
On March 26-27, 2009 within the framework of Canada-Ukraine Partnership Project for Regional Governance and Development, the sixth module of the Strategy Implementation and Project Management Training Program took place in Zaporizhzhia. Over the last six months, the training program participants have been developing small-scale projects that would advance the implementation of Zaporizhzhia Regional Development Strategy until 2015. The sixth training module was devoted to the assessment of potential environmental impacts of project development implementation based on key indicators.
Volodymyr Bilokon, RGD Environmental Impact Assessment Trainer, delivered the training session and advised the participants about the most effective ways to eliminate the potential negative environmental impacts. As a practical exercise, he suggested to rate each small-scale project’s environmental impact against key indicators. This exercise revealed that almost all projects had little or no anticipated environmental impacts, with the exception of the project related to machine building. Based on the ratings, the trainer provided advice to the project teams on designing mitigation strategies for addressing the potential environmental impacts.
The second half of the training module included additional sessions on gender equality and project funding. As part of this, Marianna Kolodiy, RGD Project Gender Expert, provided additional recommendations on how each of the projects could be implemented more successfully if they integrate design measures for addressing gender and social equality impacts into the project. Using examples, she emphasized that gender equality means “equality of opportunities” for women and men rather than just “equality of genders.” It was agreed that the project teams will forward all project documentation to Marianna so that she can provide advice on how best to integrate gender equality considerations into the projects. Volodymyr Nazarenko, RGD Regional Planning Expert, who led the session on project financing, assisted the participants to prepare application forms for submission to potential funders.
Environmental and gender components are common themes that need to be considered in the design and implementation of every project. Duly drafted funding application forms and clear understanding of all project implementation stages are important components to put the projects into life.
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